I read a review from a fellow who was 6'4". I'm not quite that tall. I'm at least 6'2", I figure. I'd like the car if my legs felt comfortable. Lack of comfort was why I traded off the Echo. In that car, the window crank knob stuck into one knee. The "point" of the radio enclosure assaulted the other. I put up with that for four years.
I obviously didn't spend enough time on the test drive. The Yaris seemed to have more leg room, but only if the legs are always straight. I traded one set of problems for another. One leg is now against a bar. The other leg impacts the control cluster a different angle. Padding around the door bothers my upper arm. That's a whole new nuisance.
I've had the car a day. Yes, a day. Let's continue. I wanted a cruise control. The first attempt to install one left it hanging down where my knee was bumping into it. I didn't like that, and I knew the cruise would eventually break. The salesman said they'd install a dashboard cruise. He showed me where. I said that would be fine. When I got the car, it was mounted in a different place. I couldn't even see it. The steering wheel was in the way. I'd have to be making a slight turn to see it. So, do you really have to have a cruise control? Toyota doesn't offer one for the Yaris.
I'll be visiting with the salesman this Saturday morning. The only reason I ever had an Echo or was interested in the Yaris was because of my microscopic garage. Very few cars will fit in there, and I'm beginning to think none of them have room for my legs. I did have a Ford Festiva years ago which fit well in the garage, and I don't remember it irritating my legs.
This time, I'll plan to park the slightly larger car (Corolla?) in the driveway. I'll have an auto-starter installed.
I think the Yaris might be a good choice if you're under six feet tall. If you can find a place to rent one for a week, do that. A brief test drive won't do it.


Amount Paid (US$): 10,000+trade
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008